Solid solutions of platinum(II) and palladium(II) oxalato-complex salt as precursors of nanoalloys

A solid solution of platinum (II) and palladium (II) oxalato-complex salt, (NH4)2[Pt0.5Pd0.5(C2O4)2]·2H2O, has been synthesized and studied as a precursor for preparing bimetallic PtPd nanoparticles through its thermal decomposition. The smallest homogenous bimetallic PtPd nanoparticles were found to form in hydrogen and helium atmospheres. The annealing temperature and time have low effect on the bimetallic particles size. Comparative analysis of structural and thermal properties of the solid solution and individual Pt, Pd oxalato-complex salts was performed to investigate a mechanism of thermal decomposition of (NH4)2[Pt0.5Pd0.5(C2O4)2]·2H2O. Based on in situ X-ray photoemission spectroscopy investigation it was proposed a mechanism of formation of bimetallic PtPd nanoparticles from the solid-solution oxalato-complex salt during thermal decomposition.

Graphical abstractSolid solutions of platinum(II) and palladium(II) oxalato-complex salt as precursors of nanoalloys.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Solid solution of isomorphous complexes as single-source precursors for Pd–Pt nanoalloys.► Simultaneous reduction of metals leading to single phase nanoalloy. ► Dependence of particle size on heating rate and atmosphere. ► Uniform distribution of components in the particles.